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Chester, Liverpool based, female double fronted and newly formed band After the Rush Hour kick the night off, as if it hadn’t already on the 3’s A Riot and Neon Rouge coaches. Likes of Bowie came across in their set; mixing rock, pop and an earlier 80’s new romantic style all together. With only being a new band this year, alot is looking up for them. After the Rush Hour will be speeding ahead writing debut material and playing live to new crowds.

Again, another female double fronted Cheshire band, Shakedown Stockholm. Sisters take the front role in synchronised singing and the lads give it a solid background creating that Brit-pop influenced sound. Soft and strong tones were shook together to add that uniqueness to the set. Tracks such as Hypocrite had a clear bass line and indie style riffs which together make that track a notable late 1970s alternative rock track. Lyrics through Let It Be Known were themed and structure in British Oasis style and slightly edging towards the indie pop catchiness. No wonder this 5 piece have been spotted by BBC Radio 5, their live performance to end is impressive; as the two women leave the stage and hand over the attendance to the lads, energy was brushing off them onto the crowd.

Miles Kane, Paul McCartney look-a-like front man, straight away gives that Taking Libertines will be a stereotypical indie pop band. Taking Libertines set was a mix match of their old passenger’s seat, enemy to hip-hop indie guitar to stadium drowning, matured rock guitar sound. Front man Jay has the looks of a confident musician who believes in his lyrics and the passion he compels on the audience. The Art of Living their recent EP can be found on iTunes.

For a band nearly a year old now, Neon Rouge have all the boxes ticked. The maturity, professionalism and the sound they make is all there. 4 piece, 5 piece and now 6 piece, the ever so famous musically club of Stoke-On-Trent is expanding. Having a female vocalist throughout the set -not just in Black Mamba, has boosted the love of each track they play. Opening track Big Foot has enhanced into disobedient rock which has been blistered and ram shackled to sound even better. Covering Lonely Boy by blues traditionalists, The Black Keys shows the brutal rock’n’roll and primal funk force Neon Rouge together, can make. Break Jaw Blues flaunts how they desire to make music that reflects acid senses with their fuzzed up riffs and spoken lyrics. The depth in which lyrics are written is a considerable amount, that much in fact; people don’t understand they just sing along. When a crowd sing the lyrics back at the band must be the biggest compliment ever. Black Mamba every time gets the same reaction. Breaking the track up with a fuzzed instrumental and an immense kick from everyone in the band is mega. 1950’s don’t know what they have missed out on; Elvis Presley wouldn’t have been the only man around that the rowdy backbeat that distorted teenage girls into frantic wrecks and caused oddly attired young men to loiter jealously outside neon-lit cinemas pleading for attention. Jack Fish has a heavier rock frame; nice track to let people know Neon Rouge can be loud.

Wherever 3’s A Riot go, wherever 3’s A Riot’s fans go, there’s a riot. You Say, It’s Gone, It’s Over the newest track released commences the energy being liberated. The new music from 3’s A Riot has brought a new mature, heavier image to them instead of the common indie vibe. Songs from 3’s A Riot album will never find the exit door within their sets. I Don’t like Your Tune, Tonight the Sun Comes Up, Not Good Home Tonight and A Song for The People still has that intelligent approach to guitar and lyrical dynamics. For a lad scared of his own mosh pit, Joe Tomasso does a good job creating one. The Wanted Man is how mellow 3’s A Riot goes. It has a reminiscent of Gallagher’s vocals; blustering, jaw-jutting surliness of Brit-pop, lad’s culture. In the City is where Dan Aydon gets his admiration, the baseline is a powerful element to the track, it’s the structure in which the mosh pit should bounce to. Featuring Lance creates more screams for 3’s A Riot. Adding hip-hop to and indie track is a distinctive kick which brings to mind what else 3’s A Riot have in store. Last track Lose Control is the 4 minute 52 seconds wonder where everyone lets out that last bit of energy before hitting the nightclubs. Van Gogh’s Ear Music will be released soon with another new track- Growler.

LC

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For such a small and hidden away venue, the room is packed full of chatty and lively people all waiting eagerly for a much anticipated gig. Frank Cerioni kicked off the night with his softer sounding music which filled the venue with no problem. There was a lot of depth to his sound for one man with a guitar and there was a good variation of tempos throughout his set.

Delamere were to follow on this bill; with an energetic and lively set which seems to be a guarantee at their gigs .All of the band members seem to really get into the music and it is obvious how much emotion has gone into writing their songs. The way all of the instruments work together creates a really unique sound along with James’ powerful vocals. As usual, the harmonies coming from the guitarist and backing vocalist, Ashley were great; the band clearly work hard as a team to create and shape their sound as a band through a balance of instrumentals and lyrics.

The John Macleod Band is fronted by none other than John Macleod himself, a friendly and confident front-man with a clear passion for what he does. The band had a quite old-school/retro sound which was really interesting to listen to and the drummer, Angela Lazenby, was really impressive. The synth really added an extra level to the music and rounded off their sound as a band; the audience seemed to be really engaged with the band. There was a nice mix of instrumentals within the music but I would have liked to have heard a little more variation in the tempo of the songs that they played, having said that I really enjoyed the slightly heavier song that they played towards the end of their set. There is some really good talent within the band and it was clear that they were well rehearsed and got on well together as the dynamics between them created a great atmosphere for the audience.

MG

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‘Originality is the Key’ is Thee Terrace’s first EP and first three tracks recorded. Thee Terrace, as a band have alot of different influences which all come together in the genres of indie, mod and rock. Stereotypical mod circle of red, white and blue symbolises them in their logo. Influences are from the year where the world of rock sounded as it has rediscovered its soul – 1990. Thee Terrace can take on their influence as a massive impact, that much in fact it can come across that they are a complete replicate.

Tell Tale Town gives the EP straightaway an upbeat positive tone. Story-telling lyrics which are broken up with ‘ooo’s’ and ‘ahhh’s’, give away that predictable indie vibe. This track creates an image of an indie nightclub, bouncing, sweating and drunken behaviour. It’s created by the intense, tight guitar riffs. Thee Terrace throughout listening to their music, have nothing complicated that strikes a unique shock but they have a genuine style which keeps them flying high in a safe, simple space for people to watch out for.

Running is written and sung by guitarist Kieran. It has that mellow, rock and slight electronic style. Kieran’s guitar talent is creative within his guitar solos. Vocals have a difference compared to Adam’s. Kieran adds a hint of hard grit to tracks that the melody needs. Using harmonies with Adam creates good connection which can be used in future songs; different vocal tones match and click together. “Your born an original, don’t die a copy” fades out with the added effect of a twinkling guitar solo; this gives the band a stamp that they want to push away from mainstream in their band career.

Shinning of the Light, a former Hype Chart single has Noel Gallagher’s name written all over it. That Brit-pop riff, that during the 90s hit art, fashion and politics, is familiar throughout Thee Terrace’s music. An image is yet again created; swag in guitar playing and cockiness in singing. Adam’s and Kieran’s guitar solos make an impressive ending to a track but it becomes slightly repetitive, as well as the backing vocals.

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Leaving Nebraska have been around since 2009 and have had an EP and recently an album out. After watching and listening to their set, it gave away that they have a 90s grunge feel to them. Soft tempos from the acoustic rhythm guitar mixed with the intensity of bass highlights an influence from alternative indie. One thing that stands out in Leaving Nebraska is the significant bass throughout the tracks. It’s give that punch in their mellow melodies.

Recently reunited; Molotov Revival ignited the stage and ended with an eruption. Repetitive, likeable melodies create that stereotypical rock structure. Molotov Revival has been around seen 2007 and it’s awesome to see them with such active energy on stage, there passion after all those years is still in their performance. A new track, Bermuda Triangle had that solid background beat from Will, as well as a groove from Tom on bass which provides the rhythmic foundation and harmonic foundation of the track. Phil’s vocals were intense and not overpowering, effects were added which gave the background of his vocals a darker unique edge.

First appearance at the Sugarmill for this psychedelic rock n roll band Psyence, and they certainly don’t disappoint. A crowd was gathered, eyes were fixed and Beanstalk kicked in. The recent addition is Piglet on keys; this makes an impressive impact to the endowed music they create. Not only do Psyence bring along talented noise but they bring along a visual factor; Piglet dancing, Joe head banging and Steve’s magnificence on his guitar. The difficulty these lads go through to make the tracks what they are is incredible. The newest single Brother it was Just a Dream proves again the quality they can make on stage and live. Flying Lotus had a rhythm and pattern in the lyrics which got the audience moving. Pedals are everything when Psyence play a gig and one pedal that is listened to and adored the most is the delay on Steve voice. They are a band that has begun exceptional well. Wounded Pigeon always gets my stunned how they have created it. The change of pace from medico space psychedelic to upbeat 90s rave is bizarre. To end the gig Joe and Steve show that they have a strong, committed passion for music together as them, in synch. finish it off on a high.

Atmospheric contemporary rock band; Chasing Traits entered in complete darkness which created that mysterious atmosphere which describes them as a band. I like how these as a band have collected influences from many different genres and can put them together in their music; delicate sounding intros which led into a raucous melody without a stumble in-between is clever. Vocals on this particular gig weren’t as great as I thought they would be. Nerves may have been an issue with the lead vocalist as it felt uncomfortable to watch. On a positive aspect the bass player had a camera on his guitar so he made the most of his performance and it gave Chasing Traits that little bit of personality. Enigma is the recent single that is currently on number 1 in the Hype Chart on Radicals Rising. The twinkly guitar sounds and fluttering drum beats highlights that these are an alternative progressive band. It was much loved by the audience as their repeated outro was sung back at them.

Lucee Clarke

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Despite being together as a band for only one and a half years, from the moment that The Rebellion started playing, it was clear that the band intend on sticking around for a lot longer than that. With a set full of dirty bass solos and buckets of energy, The Rebellion certainly set the show off with a bang.

Only three songs into the set, the bassist of the band, Andy Robinson, went topless for the rest of the set and that combined with his amazing bass playing (which has to be the best I have seen in a long time) definitely made the start of a gig to remember. The band have a rock ‘n’ roll feel running through their songs as well as their covers but they also bring a modern twist which also makes all of their songs sound a little different and quirky.

The vocalist, Danny Bowers has an amazing energy on the stage as well as a 1950’s twang to his voice. Regardless of the fact that the drummer is almost ten years younger than the eldest member of the band, Charlie proved tonight that he could certainly keep up with the rest of them as he kept the band together with definitive drum beats throughout. The last song ‘Settle Down’ really showcased the ability of their guitarist, Pezz as his talent really shone through. This band will definitely be one to watch this year as with such a unique sound to their music, I’m sure they will be popping up everywhere.

Youtha were next on the bill, and although I have never seen them live before tonight, they did not disappoint. Every song was clearly very well rehearsed and they had a very full and strong sound which easily filled the room. All of the band (particularly the drummer, Matthew Jones) were very into the gig and were clearly enjoying the atmosphere and being onstage.

The band played really well live; the set was tight and also the song, ‘Black and Blue’ sounded amazing as they added a lot of echo to the microphones which gave it a totally different sound to that on a recording.

Delamere headlined the night, in celebration of the release of their single ‘Vampire’ which was played flawlessly towards the end of the set. The build up to the start of the set was very mysterious and certainly set the tone for their time on stage. Every member of the band was contributing to the overall sound and there were so many layers going into the music. There was also a subtle tribal sound to a couple of the band’s songs which only made it more interesting to listen to.

With every song the sound of the band changed again and again, adding even more mystery to who influences the band (I later found out that it was in fact The Foals and Biffy Clyro!) but the thing that seemed to piece all of the sounds together was James’ soft yet powerful vocals. Between all of the band members, it was obvious that the communication was good and that there was also meaning behind the music, that they had put a lot of thought into both writing and rehearsing each song.

The harmonies in the backing vocals that came from the guitarist, Ashley, really added a sort of different texture to the sound; the contrast between the vocals and instrumentals were great as there was a balance of both heavy and soft. Throughout the set they really engaged the audience and maintained an original sound.